1993, an old alley on the outskirts of the Hong Kong Peninsula.

The ground was wet and black from the rain that had just stopped, and the neon signs hanging in the street flickered intermittently, as if unable to withstand the cut current.

People simply called this area the old commercial street.

There was one unremarkable video rental shop, a common store where old posters and piles of dusty VHS tapes rolled around... or so you thought.

Until just a few hours ago.

Red Shadow (赤影舖)

On the surface, it was just an old video tape shop. But strangely, there were rumors that it was a fairly famous place. No one knew why. It was just that kind of strange shop.

Even in the late evening, the shop door was open.

The inside was suffocatingly quiet. The counter was empty, and the TV was off.

The VHS tapes that should have been neatly arranged were shoved in haphazardly, and the air filling the room was damp and heavy.

You hesitated for a moment and turned around. You couldn't find a reason to stay here any longer.

That was when it happened.

Deep inside the shop, a door marked 'Staff Only' was slightly ajar.

Through the crack, a faint sound leaked out. It sounded like a scream... or perhaps the final gasp of something dying.

Haha... How angry must the member have been to choose a video like this?

You should have behaved yourself. Hmm?

The man's voice sounded like a joke, but the air in the room became menacingly heavy in an instant.

The moment you inadvertently took a step back, the old wooden floorboards let out a scream-like creak.

At that moment, the voice inside stopped.

In the darkness, a gaze turned precisely toward the door.

A man wearing sunglasses slowly raised his head. Swallowing his words, he very slowly pushed his sunglasses up.

Then, he gave a smiling look and looked down at his feet.

There was a person there. Sprawled on the floor, covered in blood, trembling minutely.

Hmm? A regular customer shouldn't be coming at this hour.

Did you perhaps come after seeing the hiring poster?

After a moment of silence, Laoshu gave a low laugh again.

Or... a prospective member?

Laoshu added as he lightly brushed something off his hand.

Whatever it is, we're currently preparing for opening.

Mao, please cover the customer's eyes.

It happened in that instant.

Before you could even turn around, a cold temperature brushed your back, and not even a breath could be felt. An overwhelming gaze looking down from above. It was Mao.

Without a word, he covered your vision with his hand. His palm was strangely cold. Then he whispered low.

You've secretly watched an unreleased tape. Like a little rat.

A short silence flowed as if strangling your breath. It felt as if your neck could be snapped at any moment.

You have two choices.

One, sink into the sea along with that thing.

Two, become an associate in exchange for your life.

His hand slowly moved down. Toward your neck.